West Shore news through the decades: Week of Nov. 6

A Victoria police officer who accidentally shot herself in Colwood remains in hospital recovering from surgery to repair what is described as a “serious” thigh injury. The officer had arrived home from a firearms training session and was exiting her vehicle when the gun went off. West Shore RCMP say they will be conducting full investigation into the incident.

Also making the news the week of Nov. 6, 2005:

After decades of neglect, efforts to save Cole Island are underway. The island, which falls within Colwood’s jurisdiction, has switched hands several times to different entities including the Canadian navy, Department of National Defence, Parks Canada and the B.C. Heritage Branch. Some View Royal residents formed the Friends of Cole Island Society with the aim of bringing an end to the looting and vandalism that has plagued the island.

And, for the first time in four elections Stewart Young is being challenged as mayor of Langford. Young, a veteran of three uncontested terms as mayor and one other as councillor, said he likes his chances for re-election because he is not getting any negative feedback. Robert Fraser, a political newcomer and self-employed software developer with experience working for the province, says it’s time for change at City Hall.

1995

Smoking issues flare up again in the Sooke School District, with trustees revisiting the debate over smoking on school property. Senior students at Belmont may smoke in designated areas on school property, and those who defend the current policy say changing it could create other issues if it pushes students onto neighbouring properties. At Edward Milne school in Sooke, students 16 and over are allowed to smoke on the property.

Also making the news the week of Nov. 6, 1995:

Western Communities RCMP continue to investigate an outhouse explosion near Sooke and Kelly roads that totally destroyed the structure. An RCMP officer said he didn’t know what explosives were used, but believes a bunch of fireworks were bound together.

And, construction of the youth jail proposed for View Royal has been delayed, but should begin by the end of the year. View Royal Mayor Bill Camden says he is optimistic the project is simply postponed and not cancelled. The jail is meant to replace the Victoria Youth Detention Centre with a $16-million, 48-bedroom facility.

1985

Tired of waiting, Ed Bradford takes the bull by the horns, visits a justice of the peace and in accordance with the Municipal Act has himself sworn in as a Colwood councillor. Council had planned to hold a special meeting Nov. 1 to officially fill the seat vacated by Conrad Adams, but Bradford said there were too many things on the go for him to sit around and let council continue without him.

Also making the news the week of Nov. 6, 1985:

A 31-year-old crab fisherman is rescued by two Royal Canadian Navy crews after his eight-metre boat catches fire. Steve Kennedy was taken off the converted fibreglass boat Somerset by the crew on a Zodiac inflatable. A local resident spotted the vessel in distress.